San Francisco 49ers NFL Draft Big Board: Position-by-Position Rankings

Unlike the previous two seasons, the San Francisco 49ers are entering the 2015 NFL draft with more than just a handful of needs. An offseason that saw critical retirements, free-agent departures and a shuffling of the roster mandates that the 49ers strike gold in the upcoming draft.

General manager Trent Baalke has nine picks, including two compensatory, with which to work. Here are the picks courtesy of Christian Gin of Examiner.com:

"

#49ers 2015 Draft picks: Rd 1 - 15th overall 2 - 46th 3 - 79th 4 - 126th, 132nd 5 - 151st 6 - 189th 7 - 246th, 254th Can't trade 132/254

— Christian Gin (@Christian_Gin) March 24, 2015"

These picks should give Baalke enough ammunition to tackle most of the 49ers' most pressing needs. 

San Francisco could use some depth at inside linebacker after the retirements of Patrick Willis and Chris Borland. The cornerback position is also questionable given the free-agent departures of defensive backs Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox.

There are also long-term needs along the defensive line as defensive end Justin Smith considers retirement. And a desire to add a playmaking wide receiver to the mix could also be a part of Baalke's draft plans.

So which collegiate prospects are on the 49ers' radar? 

Let's dive into San Francisco's big board as the draft nears its starting date on April 30.

Running Back

San Francisco lost its all-time rushing leader Frank Gore to free agency this offseason. Gore's departure opens up the door for No. 2 running back Carlos Hyde to become the featured back. He'll be supported by running back Kendall Hunter and the newly acquired Reggie Bush.

But Bush is 30 years old and is coming off an injury-plagued season in which he appeared in just 11 games.

Added to the fray is Australian rugby standout Jarryd Hayne, although he is an unknown commodity, per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area.

Running back might not be the top priority for the 49ers in this draft. But the 2015 draft class is deep, and it wouldn't be a shock to see Trent Baalke add some long-term depth at this position.

1. Todd Gurley, Georgia

Taking Georgia running back Todd Gurley with their first pick might be a stretch and a gamble for the 49ers. This Round 1 target does offer a lot of promise, and Rob Rang of CBS Sports compares him to running back Marshawn Lynch.

A torn ACL last November could also drop his draft stock, and the fact that San Francisco already has a complement of runners means it wouldn't have to insert Gurley into the mix until he is physically capable.

But would Baalke actually consider drafting Gurley with the 15th overall pick?

"

Surprising 49ers option in round one that wouldn't actually surprise me: Todd Gurley

— Tim G (@Reambler) April 11, 2015"

Gurley could be an upgrade over anything the 49ers currently have. But if Hyde emerges as the talented back most suspect he is, such a pick might not be worthwhile here.

2. David Johnson, Northern Iowa

Running back David Johnson could be another piece that may provide long-term depth behind Hyde. 

The 6'1", 224-pound prospect is a stout runner and is tough to tackle, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports. He projects as a late second- or early third-round pick, which would give the 49ers an opportunity to sit on him as late as their third pick in the draft.

And Tyler Emerick of 49ers.com noted that Johnson showed prowess in catching passes out of the backfield—an element of San Francisco's offense that was largely missing a year ago.

3. T.J. Yeldon, Alabama

Just below Johnson on CBS Sports' running back depth chart is Alabama's T.J. Yeldon. Similar to Johnson, Yeldon is 6'1" and 226 pounds. He also possesses good breakaway speed and vision, per Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports.

With Bush likely departing the 49ers after one season and Hunter entering a contract year, a player like Yeldon could be the added piece who could solidify San Francisco's long-term needs at this position.

Adam Lefkoe and The Sacramento Bee's Matt Barrows discussed how Yeldon would fit into the 49ers' plans in this Bleacher Report video.

4. David Cobb, Minnesota

Also mentioned in the video is running back David Cobb out of Minnesota.

Cobb is 5'11" and 229 pounds, which gives him a stout frame that looks the part of an NFL back. Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports highlight his excellent vision and downhill abilities—elements that have comprised the 49ers' running game for years.

The Minnesota prospect is also tabbed as a third-round target. San Francisco could easily address two of its more pressing needs before considering the addition of a running back.

5. Josh Robinson, Mississippi State

It's feasible San Francisco waits until the later rounds to take a flier on a developmental supplementary back.

Should this be the case, targeting Mississippi State running back Josh Robinson might not be a bad idea. At 5'8" and 217 pounds, Robinson has the short, squatty frame that makes him a tough tackling assignment at the next level.

"

Josh Robinson was a monster at Mississippi State. Must've been fun to watch @BulldogsRadio. When will he be drafted? pic.twitter.com/fC7H1WHsiQ

— vsporto (@vsporto) April 28, 2015"

CBS Sports projects Robinson as a Round 5 prospect, which saves the 49ers' other picks for other needs.

But with a nickname of Bowling Ball, one can't help but imagine such a player meeting San Francisco's short-yardage needs.

Offensive Line

John Raoux/Associated Press

Offensive tackle Daryl Williams could provide added depth along the 49ers O-line.

The 49ers prepared themselves in 2014 for the free-agent departure of left guard Mike Iupati.

In that year's draft, Trent Baalke selected offensive linemen Marcus Martin and Brandon Thomas to shore up the depth in anticipation of Iupati's leaving. Thomas was redshirted his rookie season, but Martin saw action at center when Daniel Kilgore went down with a season-ending injury in Week 7 last year.

Kilgore's return—and the acquisition of guard Erik Pears—gives plenty of competition for Iupati's spot. Pears, Martin and Thomas will ultimately determine who gets the No. 1 job.

But as Jeff Deeney of Pro Football Focus points out, Pears could emerge as the swing tackle in Martin's wake.

"

Not surprised Martin was let go. -10.9 overall grade in 2014. As much as #49ers talk about Pears competing at LG, I see him as swing tackle.

— Jeff Deeney (@PFF_Jeff) March 26, 2015"

It's feasible that San Francisco adds another guard to provide added depth. But as Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area points out, the 49ers have little behind tackles Joe Staley and Anthony Davis after parting ways with swing tackle Jonathan Martin this offseason. Both starters are signed through 2019, per Maiocco, so the 49ers might not be seeking a starting option here.

1. Daryl Williams, Oklahoma

Oklahoma offensive tackle Daryl Williams might be the solution to back up the tandem of Staley and Davis.

While lacking the "elite foot quickness," per Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports, Williams does have the type of body (6'5" and 327 lbs) that NFL scouts would like along the O-line.

Both Brugler and Rang also note that Williams could slide inside to offensive guard despite not having played this position in college.

Williams is projected as a Round 3 selection.

2. Ali Marpet, Hobart

Offensive guard Ali Marpet was one prospect who shined at the 2015 NFL Scouting Combine, per Tyler Emerick of 49ers.com, and he turned in the fastest 40 time (4.98 seconds) of any O-lineman.

Marpet also has experience at tackle—having played 37 games there, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports.

And the 49ers appear interested, having attended a private workout for Marpet, per Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (h/t Niners Nation). 

"

Per @TonyPauline, the 49ers attended private workout for D-3 offensive lineman Ali Marpet http://t.co/KXUmk5j1EI pic.twitter.com/5DWqbpB6k4

— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) April 9, 2015"

CBS Sports projects Marpet as a late-second- or early-third-round target.

3. Josue Matias, Florida State

If the 49ers are looking to the later rounds to add some O-line depth, one player worth considering is Florida State offensive guard Josue Matias.

Matias is slated as a late fourth- or early fifth-round pick, per CBS Sports. Per this draft profile, Matias has most of his experience at left guard but also benefits from time spent at tackle. This would give San Francisco a versatile piece who could back up nearly any position along the line.

4. Corey Robinson, South Carolina

Offensive tackle Corey Robinson is a beast of a man at 6'7" and 324 pounds. He shows good coordination despite his size, per his CBS Sports draft profile. He is also projected as a late fourth- or early fifth-round pick.

A lack of quickness might force Robinson to switch to guard at the next level. But he could be a project piece that may provide added depth along the O-line at a relatively low cost.

Inside Linebacker

Offseason losses of linebackers Patrick Willis and Chris Borland have opened up a significant hole along the inside of the 49ers' front seven.

While not necessarily a Round 1 priority—as illustrated by Bleacher Report's Matt Miller in the above video—Trent Baalke would love to address this need in the middle rounds. And there is some talent available.

Granted, the 49ers will enjoy the healthy return of All-Pro linebacker NaVorro Bowman and the blue-collar services of Michael Wilhoite. But there isn't exactly a lot of depth behind these two.

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area describes further:

"

It remains to be seen if Bowman can return to All-Pro form. And Wilhoite’s current contract situation makes his status beyond this season in question. The current depth chart does not include a backup with long-term starter capability.

"

Can Baalke find another value pick like he did with Borland and Bowman? This year's draft class is relatively thin at this position.

1. Stephone Anthony, Clemson

One of the players touted by Miller was Clemson inside linebacker Stephone Anthony.

Anthony has a 6'3", 243-pound frame, which makes him the ideal size for the inside. He also plays with aggression and has the nature to become an effective force against the run, per Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports.

"

Stephone Anthony | Linebacker | Clemson | Highlights #ILB #49ers #NFLDraft http://t.co/Ozkk90KOw0

— #EmpireStrikesBack (@_WooHIT) March 18, 2015"

CBS Sports projects the Clemson prospect as a late second- or early third-round pick. This could give Baalke an opportunity to trade down in Round 2 or perhaps wind up with a great value pick in Round 3.

2. Denzel Perryman, Miami (Fla.)

Directly below Anthony on CBS Sports' inside linebacker prospect rankings is linebacker Denzel Perryman.

Perryman also projects as a late second- or early third-round pick, which puts him into the same category as Anthony in terms of value. While a bit undersized for the position (5'11" and 236 lbs), Perryman has a strong physicality that will allow him to play at a high level in the NFL, per Dane Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports.

He also has excellent leadership capabilities, having been voted the team captain.

3. Paul Dawson, TCU

Staying with a Round 3 target and assuming that both Anthony and Perryman are off the boards, San Francisco could also target TCU linebacker Paul Dawson—also tabbed as a third-round pick.

Dawson (6'0" and 235 lbs) might not have elite size, but he is solid in coverage and has excellent fluidity and speed (4.75 40-yard dash), per Rob Rang of CBS Sports.

Playing in a relatively simple TCU defense may hinder his NFL development. But if the 49ers see him as an investment project, Dawson could emerge as the legitimate backup at a questionable position that lacks depth.

4. Ramik Wilson, Georgia

Should the 49ers wait until the later rounds to target an inside linebacker, Georgia's Ramik Wilson could be a potential target who may emerge as yet another tackling machine in the likes of Borland. 

Wilson racked up 133 total tackles in 2013, which was No. 1 in the SEC that year. He followed up that campaign with 110.

He may not be the best at coverage, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, but he does have good speed (4.62 40-yard dash) and pursuit skills.

Wilson projects as a late fourth- or early fifth-round pick, per CBS Sports.

5. Taiwan Jones, Michigan State

If Wilson is unavailable in Round 5, Baalke might view the developmental services of Michigan State linebacker Taiwan Jones.

Jones is 6'3" and 245 pounds. He "converts speed to power," per Brandon Thorn of CBS Sports, and has a solid work ethic to study his opponents.

While raw, Jones has the NFL-type body that could work out at the pro level. He may not be the tackling machine Wilson is, but 25.5 tackles for a loss in four years at Michigan State have to suggest something positive.

Wide Receiver

Two presumptive thoughts follow whether or not the 49ers will select an impact wideout in the draft.

On one hand, the free-agent acquisitions of wide receivers Torrey Smith and Jerome Simpson help alleviate the departure of fellow WR Michael Crabtree. The signings also add the much-needed speed in a passing game that ranked No. 30 in the league last year with just 3,063 yards in 2014.

But the 49ers will also be looking for a long-term replacement for 34-year-old veteran Anquan Boldin, who enters a contract year in 2015. And Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area has argued that San Francisco won't wait long to add another wideout in this draft.

On the other hand, Trent Baalke has stated, per Paul Gutierrez of ESPN (h/t Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk), that the 49ers won't "be pressured into" drafting a wide receiver. Baalke also stressed the desire to give depth wideouts Quinton Patton and Bruce Ellington more playing time.

And Baalke certainly doesn't want a repeat of the draft-versus-results debacle that was receiver A.J. Jenkins back in 2012.

1. DeVante Parker, Louisville

Top-tier wideouts Amari Cooper and Kevin White will likely be off the boards by the time San Francisco drafts at No. 15 in Round 1.

But that could leave Louisville wide receiver DeVante Parker should he slide that far or if Baalke wants to trade up a few spots in the round.

"

I know this, if DeVante Parker is on board for 49ers at 15 on Thurs we'll have to hold @JohnMiddlekauff down pic.twitter.com/5hGT4mdl94

— Guy Haberman (@GuyHaberman) April 28, 2015"

Passing on Parker would be an obvious mistake given his prowess. But CBS Sports ranks him as the No. 12 prospect overall, which suggests that the 49ers would have to move up in the round.

Is this something Baalke is willing to do given the team's other needs?

2. Breshad Perriman, UCF

Just behind Parker on CBS Sports' ranking of wide receiver prospects is UCF's Breshad Perriman.

Perriman also possesses a unique skill set that consists of excellent speed (4.24 40-yard dash) and acceleration in addition to soft hands and strength, per Bo Marchionte of CBS Sports. He could immediately emerge as the deep threat that quarterback Colin Kaepernick needs.

"

My scouting report on UCF WR Breshad Perriman. pic.twitter.com/5foyVZ9363

— Jordan Plocher (@StarvingScout) April 24, 2015"

CBS Sports ranks Perriman as the No. 17 prospect, which means he could be on the boards when San Francisco selects at No. 15.

3. Dorial Green-Beckham, Oklahoma

Oklahoma wideout Dorial Green-Beckham is a polarizing prospect. On one hand, he has the size (6'5" and 237 lbs) and speed (4.49 40-yard dash) to make him a legitimate deep threat and red-zone target. But his off-field issues raise more than enough red flags.

If these concerns were not an issue, Green-Beckham could be a top-tier target in Round 1. But this prospect has dropped to a late first- or early second-round pick, per CBS Sports.

Taking Green-Beckham at No. 15 may not provide the best value for Baalke. But it does open up the possibility of either trading down in the round or moving up in Round 2 in order to add this prospective playmaker.

4. Jaelen Strong, ASU

ASU wideout Jaelen Strong is aptly built as his name suggests. He is 6'2" and 217 pounds and became well known for his ability to make spectacular catches at the height of his leaps, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports.

But Brugler pointed out that Strong lacked the elite speed that a relatively slow 49ers offense would need. Yet Strong responded with a 4.40 40-yard dash time at the combine, which is solid considering his size.

Strong has been compared to Arizona Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald, per Tyler Emerick of 49ers.com. Emerick. 

CBS Sports ranks Strong as a Round 2 pick. But Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com suggests he'll go to the Cleveland Browns at No. 19.

Drafting Strong will likely depend on whether he falls into the 49ers' comfort zone in Round 2. It's hard to see them taking him at No. 15.

5. Devin Funchess, Michigan

The 49ers could use some insurance at tight end after a lackluster season from veteran TE Vernon Davis and a potential draft bust from two-year pro Vance McDonald. Or they could look to solidify their red-zone woes and find a big-bodied wide receiver.

Michigan wide receiver/tight end Devin Funchess could provide both. He stands at 6'4" and 232 pounds and posted 1,715 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns over three collegiate seasons.

San Francisco does have some interest, per Matt Barrows of The Sacramento Bee.

"

Tight end or wide receiver? #49ers reportedly to meet with Michigan’s Devin Funchess ... http://t.co/nx8X7Nq7uu

— Matt Barrows (@mattbarrows) April 14, 2015"

But the major knock against him is that he has questionable hands, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports. Perhaps this is a technique he can rectify, but it's difficult to be effective without catching the ball.

Funchess projects as a late second- or early third-round pick, per CBS Sports.

6. Chris Conley, Georgia

If the 49ers are unable to land a wide receiver in Rounds 1 and 2, Baalke could potentially fix this need by targeting Georgia wideout Chris Conley in Round 3—his projected round by CBS Sports.

Conley was one prospect who shone at the combine. Emerick describes further:

"

Viewed as a late-round prospect going into the combine, Conley's performance in two of the week's marquee events forced scouts to take notice.

The 6-foot-2, 213-pound wideout ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash (fourth overall) and recorded a 45-inch vertical jump (first overall and tied the combine record).

As a senior last fall in Georgia's run-heavy offense, Conley hauled in 36 passes for 657 yards and eight scores while averaging 18.3 yards per catch.

"

The 6'2" and 213-pound target has blazing speed but also needs to add some bulk, per Dane Brugler of CBS Sports.

Cornerback

San Francisco has a lot of depth at cornerback after the free-agent departures of defensive backs Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox.

Corners Tramaine Brock, Dontae Johnson, Shareece Wright, Chris Cook, Jimmie Ward, Kenneth Acker and Keith Reaser help bulk up this position. But there are still plenty of question marks.

Brock, Cook and Ward have injury concerns after 2014. Acker and Reaser have yet to see a regular-season NFL game. Wright, who struggled in San Diego with the Chargers, may enjoy the change in scenery.

There may be too many what-ifs at this position, which could force Baalke to tab another defensive back in Round 1 for the third straight year. Or will the 49ers look to later rounds to supplement this position?

Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area describes further:

"

Although the 49ers have some likeable young players, they won’t know exactly what they have in Johnson, Reaser and Acker until this season. It can’t hurt to add another talented young cornerback to the mix. The 49ers would likely get a first-year starter if they select a cornerback in the first round.

 

"

1. Trae Waynes, Michigan State

Michigan State cornerback Trae Waynes is the top-ranked corner available in this year's draft, per CBS Sports. It may be unlikely that Waynes falls to San Francisco at No. 15—CBS ranks him as the No. 9 prospect—but he should at least be on the team's radar.

If Waynes doesn't slip, would he be the type of target worthy of a trade-up?

ESPN Insider's Mark Dominik (h/t Paul Gutierrez of ESPN) suggested so. He stated:

"

[The] Niners give the Atlanta Falcons that No. 15 pick as well as their third-rounder, No. 79 overall, to move up for the Falcons’ No. 8 overall selection.

With that pick, the Niners should take Michigan State junior cornerback Trae Waynes.

The suggestion makes sense since the 49ers do have a need at corner, as both of last season's starters, Chris Culliver and Perrish Cox, departed via free agency. The current starters, at least for the moment, seem to be Tramaine Brock and Shareece Wright.

"

Or the 49ers can hope that Waynes is still there at No. 15.

2. Byron Jones, Connecticut

Another early-round prospect who has drawn the 49ers' interest is cornerback Byron Jones.

Maiocco describes how Jones would fit into San Francisco's plans:

"

Jones (6-0 5/8, 199) is a fast-riser after demonstrating world-record athleticism at the combine. Jones is the 21st-best prospect in the draft, according to Rob Rang of NFLDraftScout.com. Jones obliterated the combine record in the standing broad jump at 12 foot, 3 inches. The previous-best ever recorded was reportedly Norwegian Arne Tvervaag, who set the recognized record of 12-2 in 1968.

"

Rang has also mocked Jones to the 49ers at No. 15, which suggests that he'll be on the boards when San Francisco selects at that slot.

Jones also has flexibility at safety, which would provide added insurance behind the incumbent safety tandem of Eric Reid and Antoine Bethea.

3. Marcus Peters, Washington

Cornerback Marcus Peters has great potential but also comes with some red flags. 

Despite these concerns, Peters has the abilities to emerge as a top-tier cornerback at the NFL level. And the 49ers appear interested in adding his services, per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport (h/t Niners Nation), to a secondary that ranked No. 5 in fewest passing yards allowed last year (3,531).

"

Marcus Peters visiting with 49ers this week. Rapoport confirming what Barrows initially covered 2 weeks ago http://t.co/My3I1KBLQR

— Niners Nation (@NinersNation) April 13, 2015"

Ranked by CBS Sports as the No. 26 overall prospect, Peters could be on the boards by the time San Francisco selects in the first round. It's also plausible that Trent Baalke considers trading down in the round to add another pick in the draft.

And one NFL scout (h/t Maiocco) believes that Peters would be a better fit than Waynes given his physicality and run-supporting abilities.

4. Jalen Collins, LSU

Another target Maiocco tabs is LSU cornerback Jalen Collins.

Collins is ranked by CBS Sports as the No. 7 cornerback and the 39th prospect in the draft. But NFL Network's Mike Mayock (h/t Maiocco) ranks Collins as the No. 2 corner.

Red flags do abound considering that Collins failed multiple drug tests at LSU. He also had foot surgery in March, per Maiocco.

Perhaps these setbacks push Collins back into Round 2 and provide the 49ers with an opportunity to utilize their first-round pick to address another need.

5. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Oregon

Baalke has no worries drafting an injured prospect and stashing him until needed. Such was the case with players like defensive end Tank Carradine, guard Brandon Thomas and cornerback Keith Reaser in previous seasons.

Oregon corner Ifo Ekpre-Olomu could also fit the bill. A knee injury could sideline him from participating in training camp, per Dane Brugler and Rang of CBS Sports. As such, Ekpre-Olomu is slated as a late third- or early fourth-round pick by CBS Sports.

"

Prediction for Baalke's Stash pick this year: Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (CB, Oregon) probably in the 3rd round. #49ers

— Arpan Bajaj (@RPun) April 27, 2015"

Ekpre-Olomu perhaps possesses the skills necessary to play the nickelback position, per Brugler and Rang. His 5'9" and 192-pound frame suggests this. He might also be a candidate to take over for veteran safety Antoine Bethea at some point down the line.

Until then, the 49ers could entertain the idea of stashing him until 2016 on the non-football injury list.

Defensive Line

The 49ers are going to have to address obvious needs along the defensive line at some point or another.

Much of this is compounded by the possible retirement of defensive end Justin Smith. While the addition of veteran D-lineman Darnell Dockett helps, San Francisco can't view him as a long-term solution.

Head coach Jim Tomsula remarked, per Matt Maiocco of CSN Bay Area, that he thought "the depth on the defensive line right now is as deep as we’ve ever had it."

San Francisco still has Dockett, Glenn Dorsey, Ian Williams, Tank Carradine, Quinton Dial and Tony Jerod-Eddie along the D-line. 

But Maiocco points out a glaring concern:

"

None of those six players listed is signed beyond the 2016 season. Williams and Jerod-Eddie have contracts that expire after this year. There might not be an urgent need for this season, but the 49ers will need to get another player to develop for the future.

"

Will Trent Baalke look to the 2015 draft for future considerations?

1. Randy Gregory, Nebraska

Defensive end Randy Gregory could have been a top-five pick had it not been for serious character concerns—an aspect pointed out in the above video.

Gregory does have upper-echelon talent, however. He totaled 17.5 sacks and 25.5 tackles for a loss in two seasons at Nebraska. Those statistics fuel the remarks made by CBS Sports' Dane Brugler, who stated, "Gregory has the upside to rank among the NFL's most feared edge-rushers if his current trajectory continues."

The 49ers did meet with Gregory, per Bleacher Report's Matt Miller. 

"

.@Huskers pass rusher Randy Gregory has met with the 49ers and Vikings, I'm told.

— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) March 13, 2015"

While Gregory is better suited for a 4-3 defense, per Brugler, the 49ers would be getting a ton of talent and possibly at a bargain if he slips to No. 15.

2. Malcom Brown, Texas

If character concerns are enough to thwart a selection of Gregory, the 49ers would have no worries with Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown.

Brown has high character, per Brugler and Rob Rang of CBS Sports, and their evaluation projects Brown as the No. 21 prospect in the draft. This would put him in a prime spot to be picked up by San Francisco at No. 15. It's feasible that Baalke could even trade down a few spots to land him.

"

.@SBNationNFL has Malcom Brown as a top-15 pick: http://t.co/PR0zAY6Txs pic.twitter.com/muAAZwlhV0

— SB✯Nation CFB (@SBNationCFB) March 31, 2015"

He also has the flexibility to adjust to a 3-4 or 4-3 defense, which gives the 49ers some options should they rearrange their defensive alignment in the future.

3. Shane Ray, Missouri

A foot injury might force defensive end/outside linebacker Shane Ray to fall in the rankings. And according to NFL Network's Albert Breer, Ray failed a drug test while at Missouri. Currently, CBS Sports tabs him as the No. 23 prospect overall.

But the 6'3", 245-pound defender does have the flexibility to line up at end or at outside linebacker, which could give San Francisco an added option should the team move on from linebacker Aldon Smith after 2015.

Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury News describes whether the 49ers would be willing to gamble on Ray's upside in spite of his personal concerns:

"

Ray has a toe injury that is a concern magnified by Patrick Willis’ toe-related retirement. But Baalke is a proponent of second chances, so Gregory and Ray could test him (and owner Jed York’s credo to “win with class”).

"

If Ray does drop further, Baalke could have some added flexibility to execute additional draft-day moves.

4. Arik Armstead, Oregon

Oregon defensive end Arik Armstead's collegiate numbers are pedestrian in nature. Over three seasons with the Ducks, Armstead totaled only four sacks and 10.5 tackles for a loss.

But there is no denying his huge stature—6'7" and 292 pounds.

His potential might be the piece that Baalke is examining. And the thought of Tomsula whipping him into shape might be the element that brings Armstead's game to the next level.

Currently, Armstead is ranked as the No. 29 prospect in the draft by CBS Sports.

But according to Miller and Adam Lefkoe of Bleacher Report, San Francisco is interested and may choose to spend its first pick on the Oregon defender.

5. Preston Smith, Mississippi State

Should the 49ers wait until Round 2 to address D-line needs, one enticing target that could be had is Mississippi State defensive end Preston Smith—a Round 2 prospect, per CBS Sports.

His 6'5", 271-pound frame is enticing enough, but it could be even more attractive if he were to put on added muscle. Plus, Smith boasts an impressive wingspan and "heavy hands," per CBS Sports' Dane Brugler—attributes that Baalke likes.

"

And if you think Preston Smith is good right now, just wait until his second NFL season when he's added 10-15 pounds of muscle.

— Shaun Church (@NFLChurch) April 20, 2015"

Smith could work his way into the latter end of the first round, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. But he could also emerge as a steal should Smith fall to San Francisco in Round 2.

All statistics, records and accolades courtesy of Pro-Football-Reference.com and Sports-Reference.com unless otherwise indicated. Supplemental draft information courtesy of CBS Sports.

Peter Panacy is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report, covering the San Francisco 49ers. Be sure to check out his entire archive on 49ers news, insight and analysis.

Follow him @PeterPanacy on Twitter.